The Electoral Register
The electoral register lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote in public elections and ensures only those eligible are able to vote. It can also be used for other limited purposes specified in law to counteract fraud.
If you want your name added to the register you must apply to register and providing you're details are verified and you are eligible to vote, your name will be added.
The Electoral Registration Officer is obliged by law, to register all persons who are eligible, in order that they may vote in the event of an Election or Referendum.
The Open Register
The open register is an extract of the electoral register, but is not used for elections. It can be bought by any person, company or organisation. For example, it is used by businesses and charities to confirm name and address details. If you are aged 16 or over, your name and address will be included in the open register unless you ask for them to be removed. Removing your details from the open register does not affect your right to vote.
Opt out of the open register
You can choose to opt in or out of the ‘open register’. This is the version of the register that’s available to anyone who wants to buy a copy. You can change your preference at any time. You can use the following form to opt out of the open register.
Request to opt out of the open register
Alternatively, phone us on 01253 887257 Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am and 4pm providing your full name and address.
Credit check using the Electoral Register
The electoral register is also used for limited purposes specified in law such as:
- detecting crime (e.g. fraud)
- calling people for jury service
- checking credit applications
If you have applied to register to vote and your application is successful, your details are added to the register on the next date of publication. More information can be found here.
View the Electoral Register
A full copy of the current electoral register is available to view by appointment only at the Civic Centre, Breck Road, Poulton-le-Fylde, FY6 7PU Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am and 4pm.
To make an appointment please email us and this will be arranged.
What you need to know when inspecting the Electoral Register
- You will be asked to read and sign a declaration making you aware of the restrictions when using information held on the electoral register.
- Your inspection will be restricted to 15 minutes.
- Your inspection will be supervised, therefore during our busiest times you may need to wait a short while until a member of staff is available.
- You may only make hand-written notes (the taking of photographs, photocopies, dictaphones and video recordings are not permitted by law)
- Information taken from this register must not be used for direct marketing purposes unless the information has also been published in the open version of the register.
- Failure to observe the above conditions may result in a fine of up to £5,000.
The register of electors is not structured in a format to find a person by name. It is compiled in order of polling district and within this, alphabetically by street name.
Community groups or Organisations (who are not named in legislation) may not use information taken from the full register for their elections, referendums or surveys. The open register (previously known as the edited register) is available on request.
Under The Representation of the People (England & Wales) Regulations 2001 (as amended) and the GDPR and Data Protection Act 1998, anyone who fails to observe these conditions is committing a criminal offence and could be liable upon conviction of a fine of up to £5000.
Purchase a copy of the Open Register
The open register can be sold to anyone requesting it on payment of the prescribed fee. No information will be released until payment is made in full.
The fees for the sale of the edited register are :
- In data format, £20 plus £1.50 for each 1,000 entries (or remaining part of 1,000 entries) in it
- In printed format, £10 plus £5 for each 1,000 entries (or remaining part of 1,000 entries) in it
If you would like to make a request to obtain a copy of the open register please email us.
Please advise whether you require a copy of the full open register or if it is for a constituency, ward or polling district and whether it will be in data or paper format. Costs will be provided on receipt of this information.